Common Hoof Problems

As a horse owner, you can expect to see common hoof problems such as hoof cracks or thrush.  Some hoof problems are easily preventable and others are not resulting from an accident or poor conformation for example.  The key is understanding common hoof problems and how to manage your horse to lessen the chance of a problem occurring.  

To reduce hoof problems, follow these recommendations:

1. Regular trimming or shoeing
2. Maintain good hoof balance
3. Maintain the correct hoof pastern angle, break over, and medial-lateral balance
4. Give heel support if needed
5. Use appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions
6. Use appropriate treatment if disease process occurs.

Poor shoeing or trimming. Long toes can results in strain on flexor tendons, the navicular bone, and collapsed heels. If the horse is "too upright" it can cause trauma to the coffin bone. An imbalanced hoof can cause stress on the collateral ligaments and joints.

Hoof cracks. Horizontal cracks or blowouts are usually caused by an injury to the coronary band or a blow to the hoof wall. Horizontal cracks or blowouts do not usually case lameness. Grass cracks are usually seen in long, unshod horses, and can be corrected with trimming and shoeing. Sand cracks results from injury to the coronary band or white line disease that breaks out at the coronary band. Sand cracks can be a cause of lameness. Treatment for sand cracks includes determining the cause and removing it, floating, and/or fixation or patching. It usually takes nine to twelve months for the hoof to grow out.

Thrush. Thrush is a foul-smelling black exudate usually found around the frog that is associated with wet, soiled conditions. Thrush can invade sensitive tissue and cause lameness. Keeping stalls or barn clean and dry can help eliminate thrush.

Solar abscess. Solar Abscess is an infection in the sole of the hoof that can lead to acute or severe lameness. Solar Abscess can be caused by trauma, bruising, or a foreign body. Treatments include removal of the foreign body (if possible), soaking the hoof in warm water and Epsom salt, and keeping the hoof bandaged, clean and dry.

Hot nail or street nail. A hot nail is a horseshoe nail that is driven into the sensitive structures of the hoof wall. Hot nails will usually cause lameness. Treatments include flushing nail hole with antiseptic, packing the hole or bandaging the foot, and Tetanus booster. A street nail is any foreign object that enters the foot. This is an emergency, and your veterinarian should be called immediately. Treatment depends on what hoof structure is affected.

Laminitis. Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae. Founder is rotation (coffin bone rotates downward inside hoof capsule) and/or sinking (coffin bone sinks downward) of the coffin bone. There are several causes of laminitis. Treatments include regular shoeing or trimming, maintaining short toes, using heel wedges, and frog and sole support.

Navicular. Disease process involving the navicular bone, bursa, ligamentous, or soft tissue structures. Horses will usually land their toe first due to pain in the heels. Causes of navicular include hereditary predisposition (Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds), faulty conformation, hoof imbalance, and exercise on hard surfaces. Treatments include shoeing, maintaining a short toe, elevating the heels and good break over, and pads.

Finally, in the winter, special care should be taken if your horse lives outside or is turned out. If your horse is normally barefoot, leave the shoes off in the winter (horses usually slip less when barefoot). Horses that are prone to sole bruising may need shoes. If your horse is shod through the winter, have snow pads placed under the shoes and small cogs or nails placed at the heels. Winter weather can dry out the hoof wall, so a hoof moisturizer may be needed.

Resource: Mary Boyce, DVM, University of Minnesota

Link to Original Article: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/health/common-hoof-problems/